Molecular Analysis of the Effects of Resveratrol and Genistein on Signal Transduction in Cancer Cells

Abstract

The overall objective of our research project is to study the effects of Genistein and Resveratrol on cancer cell proliferation. Resveratrol, a stilbene found in high quantities in red grape skin, and Genistein, an isoprenoid found in soy, are both available in supplement form and have exhibited antioxidative properties. Recent studies have suggested Genistein and Resveratrol may inhibit growth of certain types of cancer cells in culture, and that diets with higher levels of these two compounds have shown lower incidence of certain types of cancers and inflammatory disorders. However, the precise mechanisms of their antiproliferative effects only on certain types of cancer cells remain poorly defined. Our project focuses on studying the anti-proliferative effects of Resveratrol and Genistein on signal transduction pathways in two human breast cancer cell lines and one human ovarian cancer cell line in culture. Specifically, this poster presents results examining the role of phosphorylation of two signal transduction enzymes, PDK1 and Akt1.